Zagray Farm Museum Tractor Show
October 3-4, Colchester, Connecticut
Left: Hunter working under the Crosley with his friend Carson’s help
Right: Hunter and PW waiting in line for his first competition run up the Newport Hill
How do you feel about your first Newport Hill Climb Run Happening Tomorrow?
Well, I’m a little nervous, a bit “out of my comfort zone”…thinking I might break something…I am afraid I may only have 3rd gear going up that pretty big hill. In the past, I have ridden up the hill with my dad several times. During my run, I plan to take off slowly, ease into it, and then hammer it… put it to the floor!!”
I understand you just got your driving permit In November.
“Yeah, plus, I told my friends at school I would be making this hill run. I keep thinking,
I’m just driving up a hill. As long as I get into second gear, I’ll be fine.”
What was your reaction to this Crosley restoration project?
“When we started putting it together, it was sort of like a “happy feeling”. It was great seeing it come together.”
What advice would you give to other young folks starting a Crosley project?
“It’s a lot more fun than it looks. It may seem boring at first, but over time, I realized it’s not that boring. Once the car is put together and you drive it - that feeling that you built it is exhilarating …It’s like when your parents say, “Try new things. Try new foods.” You may end up liking them. When you try something new, you may end up finding things… something you really like. I found the process was really cool and fascinating.
Video of Hunter with his Grandpa, PW
His first competition run at the 2025 Newport Hill Climb
Mischler Family History with Crosley’s
Tell me about your family’s history with Crosleys
My grandfather’s (PW Mischler) family had a Crosley Dealership in Vincennes, Indiana. My grandfather also drove a Crosley. He said he drove his yellow Hot Shot from Vincennes all the way to Clovis, New Mexico where his family had moved when he was only 13. My dad continued with our family’s Crosley interests. As far as I can remember, we have always had Crosleys. I know right now my dad has 4 Hot Shots, a CC wagon, a SUV, a Sedan and Farm-O-Road.
D. H. Tabler & Son / Mischler Motors
Vincennes, Indiana
Note: Crosley Parked on the left of the garage Photo Courtesy of Patrick Mischler
The Mischler Crosley Dealership was owned by Lona Tabler and was located at 917 N. 7th Street, Vincennes, Indiana. Mischler Motors was in business from 1926 until it unfortunately burned down in 1967. They started selling Crosleys around 1949; the family continued its loyalty to the Crosley marque for many years.
Lona’s grandson, PW Mischler, was provided his first car from the dealership, a 1949 Crosley Hot Shot. PW is known for driving it several times from Vincennes, Indiana to Texas. He also recalls that his uncles drove the Crosley Sport Utility vehicles.
For many years now, during the first weekend in October, the Mischler family has attended and competed in Indiana’s famed Newport Antique Auto Hillclimb with their Crosleys. This popular annual event has attracted Crosley owners to compete in the hill climb in their own class for decades. The family drives their fleet in competitive runs in up to five classes including Crosleys, Model T speedsters, Model A’s, Plymouths, and pickup roadsters.